Breast Cancer: All Women must know about it

The mere thought of cancer gives an awkward and scary feel. Cancer is a non-communicable disease which is currently more discussed among the medical professionals and researchers. 

Cancer is the abnormal proliferation and growth of the abnormal cells in our body due to certain risk factors.

 
We all know the exact cause of cancer still remains a mystery; scholars believe some of the risk factors might contribute to the oncogenic or cancerous processes in our body.

In local language people usually describe it as the growth and development of a tumour in a body which was previously not seen commonly. Some cancers can only be diagnosed at the microscopic levels where the internal organs are involved. In case of the breast cancer there is an evidence of the lump or mass present in either of/ both the breasts.

What is breast cancer? 

Normal Anatomy of Breast
Image source: Wikipedia

 

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer in women. As the name suggests, the cancer that develops into the breast tissues is referred to as breast cancer. It usually affects females but males can also develop breast cancer in rare cases.

Breast Cancer

Image Source:Wikipedia

What makes the cancer cells different from the normal cells of the body?

Normally cells in our body grow and divide as per body’s requirement and functioning.  When the cells that grow are normal in functions yet divide uncontrollably without losing their original properties, the formation of lump or tumour that develops is called Benign tumour. It is generally harmless but the doctor may advice its removal to stop further growth and discomfort.

The cancerous cells lose their functions and properties. These cells do not function as body’s normal cells. They start moving rapidly trying to invade other structures that surround them. Such cancerous cells are defined as malignant cells. They are severe and grouped as per different stages. Cancerous transformations can take place in any part of the body. In whichever part the changes are observed, they are due to the uncontrolled multiplication of cells in their sizes and numbers leading to the formation of lumps.

 In breast cancer the cancer cells divide rapidly in the breast tissues, forming lump inside the breast gland. Presence of breast lump is one of major signs of breast cancer. However in some cases the lump may be non-cancerous. A mammogram is done to confirm the diagnosis of breast cancer.

The breast cancer develops when the breast cells multiply in an uncontrolled and rapid way. The cells have an ability to invade the nearby structures such as blood vessels, lymphatic ducts and some of the major organs surrounding the breasts. The process of spreading the cancerous cells from place of origin to another organ or tissue is termed as metastasis. In the part of invasion such cells can reform a new tumour there.

Early detection and treatment can give good results in breast cancer patients. Due to increased awareness and self-help practices, the incidences of breast cancer can be managed effectively.

Causes or risk factors of breast cancer:

Let us understand the possible causes or risk factors that can develop cancer disease in the human body. 

The exact cause of breast cancer is yet to be known. But the researchers believe it to be the inheritance of the mutated gene from parents and family. Lifestyle and environment may also be the underlying causes of developing breast cancer in some of the cases.

Factors contributing to the risk of developing breast cancer are as follows:

Females are more prone to develop breast cancer than males.

Obesity. A sedentary lifestyle and inactivity may act as risk factors in some cases

Precious history of recurrent breast infections or biopsy.

Stress. Stress may lead to some hormonal problems in females.

A nulligravida or nulliparous female. A woman who has never given birth to a baby or never been pregnant

A woman who has given birth to a baby after 30 years of age

Family history of breast cancer, own past history of breast cancer.

Radiation exposure, for e.g., too many chest x-rays during the childhood period may be a risk factor.

Early menarche or late menopause: starting periods before 11 years of age and menopause at a late change may be a likely cause.

Hormone replacement therapy following menopause.

Alcohol or tobacco consumption & smoking: a person is likely to develop breast cancer in case of such addictions.

Signs and symptoms:

There is a varied range of symptoms depending on the breast structure.

• Presence of lump in the breast. It may feel different than the surrounding breast tissue. The lump may be hard or thickened mass.
• The size and shape of the affected breast may change. It may be evident from self-breast examination during bath.
• Formation of dimpling. A pit-like formation on the breast anywhere surrounding the nipple. The nipple gets depressed inwards.
• Inverted nipples.
• Breast skin may appear red or peeled off and scaly in contour.
• Presence of pain in the breast and or armpit.

Diagnosis:

Initial detection of breast cancer usually comes into the picture as a lump identified by the female during a bath or self-breast examination. Though it’s not a diagnosis but the detection of a lump initiates further investigations and doctor visits.

Early detection can be done using a mammogram. A mammogram is the radiological visualization of the mammary glands or breast.

A breast biopsy is done to detect the type of breast cancer and for assigning the stage of cancer development. Staging is done based on the organ or tissue involved, type of proliferation of cells and the extent of metastases, etc…

Prevention:

Prevention measures may reduce the likeliness of breast cancer in females with average or zero risk involvement.

Ensure a healthy lifestyle: Reduce stress levels. Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and engage yourself in doing activities.

Exercise regularly. Every female should exercise twice a week at least to stay fit and healthy. This helps in reducing the risk of getting obese. Obesity is considered one of the alarming risk factors for most non-communicable diseases in present days.

Eat proper. Take a healthy and well-balanced diet. Include vitamins and minerals in the diet.

Avoid taking alcohol or smoking tobacco. Nothing comes before health and if it concerns your health, you must stay away from such addictions that endanger your life.

Medical screening: visit your doctor for clinical breast exams and undergo mammogram tests if indicated. The early screening the early detection or prevention.

Learn doing Self-breast examination in front of a mirror. Try out all the steps of self-breast examination at least once a week. It includes inspection of the breasts: colour, size, and shape. Skin Condition of the breasts and nipples. 

Check out whether the nipples appear normal and erect. Palpation of the breasts for detection of any lumps inside the breasts.

Pain in the breast to surrounding areas must also be anticipated. 

If the person already has some portion of breast cancer then the oncologist may advise preventive surgery to further prevent the spread of the infection to other organs. Such patients must undergo proper therapy sessions for chemotherapy or radiation therapy as advised by the doctor. Proper medical and surgical management may prevent further cancer development and complications. This in turn ensures a good prognosis.

P.S: This content is for informational and educational purpose only. 

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